Keywords

Corporate

Other details

Contained records

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse], on the escort for a troop convoy to Britain. Initialled by Prince Louis of Battenberg [1st Sea Lord, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] to Admiralty, on the escort for a troop convoy to Britain. Includes note from WSC to the Chief of Staff [Vice- Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee], asking about the movements of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg. [Carbon].

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to the Secretary [Sir (William) Graham Greene], 1st Sea Lord [Prince Louis of Battenberg, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee], Admiralty, on arrangements for the transport of the Third Division from India to France, further battalions to German East Africa [later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] and the exchange of Indian Army artillery and Territorial batteries. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] on the location of the German cruisers Konigsberg and Emden, ordering ships to join the hunt for them. Initialled by Prince Louis of Battenberg [1st Sea Lord, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] to Admiralty, on the escort for a troop convoy to Britain. Includes proposed reply from Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, agreed by Prince Louis of Battenberg [1st Sea Lord, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] on the escort for a troop convoy to Britain. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff], with note from WSC to Sturdee and the 1st Sea Lord [Prince Louis of Battenberg, later 1st Lord Milford Haven]. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] to Admiralty, on the escort for a troop convoy to Britain; includes note from WSC to the 1st Sea Lord [Prince Louis of Battenberg, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and Chief of Staff [Vice- Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee] asking for a discussion on the convoy's arrangement. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee] to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse], approving his arrangements for the escort of a troop convoy to Britain, and informing him of additions to the convoy. [Carbon].

Minute from Admiral Sir Henry Jackson to the Chief of Staff, [Vice-Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee] and 1st Sea Lord [Prince Louis of Battenberg, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] commenting on a telegram from the Government of South Africa on a revised plan of campaign against German South-West Africa [later Namibia]. Includes notes of agreement from Sturdee, Battenberg and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], reporting that Commandant Mareotz, who had been sent to guard the frontier with German South-West Africa [later Namibia] had deserted to the Germans with his Commando, and was threatening to invade the Union. [Carbon].

Telegram from WSC, First Lord of the Admiralty, to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], stating that the situation in South Africa did not warrant the use of the expression "very grave" as used in his telegram of 11 Oct [see CHAR 13/38/15]. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] to Admiralty, passing on a message from the Governor- General [1st Lord Buxton] on rebellious propaganda aimed at the re-establishment of a Dutch republic. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], passing on congratulations to HMS Chatham for locating the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, and ordering her to engage and fight without fail. Also includes message from HMS Chatham on the location of the Konigsberg. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], to Admiralty, asking if he should send a hydroplane to assist in the attack on the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, with WSC's reply agreeing that it might be of "utmost service". [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], stating that no more guns would be sent to him from home, but that he should use his existing resources to assist the Union Government. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff]. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] to Admiralty, on the defence of the base of the Union Government expedition, and reporting that progress of the expedition on the coast was at a standstill. Includes reply from WSC telling King-Hall to act in accordance with previous orders. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], on the defence of ships and bases against possible raids by the [German cruisers] Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to Rear-Admiral John De Robeck, with orders to take command of a new African cruiser squadron to oppose the [German cruisers] Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and 3 German light cruisers, if they should come to West Africa. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff], Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegrams from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], with orders that the [German cruisers] Scharnhorst and Gneisenau were not to be engaged unless HMS Minotaur and HMS Albion were together. Initialled by WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff]. [2 carbon copies].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] to Admiralty, on the South African Government's proposed expedition to Walfisch Bay [German South-West Africa, later Namibia] in December, stating his opinion that the expedition should not start until the German squadron was located or dealt with. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa], acknowledging receipt of his telegram of 23 Nov [CHAR 13/38/32], and stating that a reply would be sent when further news was available of the [German cruiser] Scharnhorst's squadron. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff], Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord] and WSC.

Telegram from Admiralty to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] stating that once HMS Defence had joined his squadron it would be safe to send the [South African] expedition to Walfisch Bay [German South-West Africa, later Namibia]. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] to Admiralty, passing on the text of his telegram to the Governor-General [1st Lord Buxton] on the naval position for the [South African] expedition to Walfisch Bay [German South-West Africa, later Namibia]. [Carbon].

Telegram from Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff] to [Rear-Admiral Herbert King-Hall], Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station [South Africa] concurring with his view that it was dangerous to adopt two sea bases, neither of which could protect themselves. Oliver gives King-Hall orders to keep his squadron concentrated until the situation cleared, and orders for the expedition to Luderitz Bay [German South-West Africa, later Namibia], rather than Walfisch Bay. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to HMS Dartmouth (St Helena), with orders to look out for German cruisers, particularly the Nurnberg and Dresden, which had escaped from Rear-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee's squadron at the Battle of the Falklands. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff], Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, China Station, [Vice-Admiral Sir (Thomas) Martyn Jerram], reporting that the German steamers Mathilde and Clara Jebsen had been renamed and transferred to the American flag, giving orders for the ships to be seized. Initialled by Rear-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff], Prince Louis of Battenberg [1st Sea Lord, later 1st Lord Milford Haven] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Navy Board, Melbourne, [Australia], stating that an Australian and New Zealand convoy would travel to Britain by the Cape of Good Hope [South Africa] route, giving arrangements for the escort. Initialled by Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, Rear-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Admiralty to the Japanese Admiralty, on fleet movements following the defeat of Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock's squadron off Coronel [Chile]. The telegram asks for a Japanese squadron to advance to Fiji, to guard Australia and New Zealand, for remaining Japanese ships to move west towards the Dutch East Indies [later Indonesia] and lists British cruisers searching for the German [cruiser] Emden in Indian waters. Initialled by WSC and Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord]. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Australian Navy Board, (Melbourne), with orders for HMS Australia to proceed to Honolulu [Hawaii, United States] at once. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff], Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Sir Conyingham Greene [British Ambassador to Japan] to Admiralty, reporting that the Japanese Admiralty approved joint action to deal with the [German cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau]. Includes copies of telegrams between WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver, Chief of Staff, on a delay in receiving and acting on the report. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to Japanese Admiralty, on assembling a British and Japanese squadron off Honolulu [Hawaii, United States], and on joint action with the Royal Navy. Includes note of WSC's approval. [Draft].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, Australia [Vice-Admiral Sir George Patey], with orders to rendezvous with a Japanese squadron to deal with the [German cruisers] Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau. Initialled by Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff], Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, Australia [Vice-Admiral Sir George Patey] stating that German cruisers would be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal, and if they did so, he would be ordered to follow them through. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Australian Navy Board, stating that the Australian Squadron (HMS Australia, HMS Melbourne and HMS Sydney) would be based in Jamaica, where they could take part in the hunt for the [German cruiser] Karlsruhe and be well posted to deal with any fresh German cruisers breaking out of the North Sea. Initialled by WSC, with accompanying telegram from the Australian Navy Board, agreeing with the Admiralty proposal. [Carbon].

Telegram from the British Consul-General in Lorenzo Marques [Portuguese East Africa, later Maputo, Mozambique] to Admiralty, reporting that the [German cruiser] Konigsberg was sheltering behind Hurd Island and that the Portuguese authorities will order her to leave or explain her presence. Includes orders for HMS Weymouth to proceed to Hurd Island. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to British Consul-General at Lorenzo Marques [Portuguese East Africa, later Maputo, Mozambique], on the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, questioning the source of the Consul-General's information, and stating that the Konigsberg should not be disturbed by a Portuguese ship, but induced to wait until she could be attacked by British warships. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from British Consul-General at Lorenzo Marques [Portuguese East Africa, later Maputo, Mozambique] to Admiralty, reporting that the position of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg had been confirmed by the Portuguese naval authorities. Includes copies of telegrams by Rear-Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff], asking about the neutrality of Portugal, and by WSC, ordering an attack on the Konigsberg without regard to neutral waters. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Captain Sydney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, stating that the destruction or capture of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg was of the highest importance, and asking for details of his plans. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] (Bombay [India]) to Admiralty, stating that HMS Alert had no armament, and no ratings could be spared to commission her efficiently. He further reports that HMS Laurence armed with 4-inch guns could be sent to assist HMS Chatham in the hunt for the [German cruiser] Konigsberg in a few days. Includes note of previous telegram to Pierse on using HMS Alert, which this answers. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] (Bombay [India]), cancelling the commissioning of HMS Alert, and stating that HMS Laurence was not suitable for an attack on the [German cruiser] Konigsberg. Initialled by Vice- Admiral Sir [Frederick] Doveton Sturdee [Chief of Staff] and WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Senior Naval Officer, Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya] to Admiralty, reporting that HMS Goliath would be out of action until at least 11 Nov. Includes copy of note from WSC to the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee] asking if Goliath could close up with HMS Albion before the [German cruiser] Gneisenau reached the Cape Station. [Carbon].

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Sir (Frederick) Doveton Sturdee], on attempts to get HMS Fox to join HMS Chatham in the blockade of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty, to Senior Naval Officers, Zanzibar [later Tanzania] and Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya] and the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse], ordering HMS Fox to join HMS Chatham in the blockade of [the German cruiser] Konigsberg. The SNO Zanzibar is also ordered to procure merchant ships or dhows for blocking channels and send them to HMS Chatham as soon as possible. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty, to [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, stating that on no account were they to stop blockading [the German cruiser] Konigsberg. Initialled by WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff]. [Carbon].

Telegram from HMS Fox to Admiralty, on a demand from the Germans for her withdrawal from Tanga [German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] by daybreak, failing which they threatened heavy fire from two 4-inch guns belonging to [the German cruiser] Konigsberg. Includes copies of telegrams between WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver, Chief of Staff, suggesting that Tanga should be bombarded by HMS Goliath. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, to Admiralty, on troops required for attack on the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, stating that a half-battalion from Mauritius together with detachments from HMS Fox, Chatham and HMS Goliath would be sufficient. [See CHAR 13/38/73 for continuation of telegram]. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], asking why HMS Fox and HMS Goliath did not bombard Tanga [German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] and support an infantry attack. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Senior Naval Officer, Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], to Admiralty, on the failure of the attack on Tanga [German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] and reasons for avoiding further action. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], acknowledging his report [on the failure of the attack on Tanga, German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] asking for a daily account of proceedings, and for a report on the desirability of bombarding Dar-es-Salaam. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Senior Naval Officer aboard HMS Fox to Admiralty, stating that he would obtain the opinion of [Major Francis Pearce], the British Resident, Zanzibar [later Tanzania] on the moral effect on the natives of bombardment without an occupation of Dar-es-Salaam. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Senior Naval Officer aboard HMS Fox (Zanzibar [later Tanzania]) to Admiralty, reporting the opinion of the British Resident, Zanzibar [Major Francis Pearce], that unless bombardment of Dar-es-Salaam was followed by occupation, the effect on British prestige would be prejudicial, as the natives, though awed at first, would see the bombardment as a bluff, and act accordingly. [Carbon].

Minute from Captain Herbert Richmond [Assistant Director of Operations] to the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Oliver], proposing the destruction of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg by fire. Includes notes of approval from WSC and Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord]. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, (Zanzibar [Tanzania]) to Admiralty, reporting that he was proceeding to Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], to coal, leaving HMS Fox to continue the blockade of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg; also asking for Fox to be replaced by HMS Weymouth. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], ordering Captain Francis Caulfield [HMS Fox] to transfer to HMS Chatham and proceed to Gibraltar with HMS Weymouth. Also appointing Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe as Senior Naval Office East African Coast, with Fox, HMS Goliath and HMS Kinfauns Castle under his command, with the duty of capturing or destroying the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, and further ordering the bombardment of defences at Tanga and Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania]. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, (Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya]), to Admiralty, defending his actions and putting forward new proposals for the attempted destruction or capture of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, to Admiralty, justifying his actions in the search for [the German cruiser] Konigsberg, after censure from the Admiralty and the deprivation of his command of Chatham. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, stating that his transfer from Chatham was not a censure, but an appointment to an important duty, adding the [German cruiser] Konigsberg was to be blocked in rather than destroyed, and that Drury-Lowe was therefore free to proceed to Gibraltar. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, asking if HMS Goliath and HMS Fox could guarantee to prevent the [German cruiser] Konigsberg escaping, and if so, both Chatham and HMS Weymouth should leave at once for their respective destinations. WSC also states that Drury-Lowe's appointment as Senior Naval Officer Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya], and transfer from Chatham was not a censure, but an honour. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] to Admiralty, supporting a statement from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe] that HMS Goliath and HMS Fox were quite unsuited to operations against the [German cruiser] Konigsberg, and urging that the decision to withdraw HMS Chatham be reconsidered. [Carbon].

Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies [Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Peirse] to Admiralty, asking if the Admiralty would be directing the proposed attack on Tanga [German East Africa, later Tanganyika, then Tanzania] and [the German cruiser] Konigsberg. Includes note of confirmation from WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, (Mombasa, [British East Africa, later Kenya]) to Admiralty, criticising a proposed plan to burn the [German cruiser] Konigsberg by flooding the river with burning pitch oil. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], stating that his transfer from HMS Chatham was not a censure, but an appointment to an important duty, for which he was well fitted, giving the three objectives for the move: firstly the blockade of the [German cruiser] Konigsberg; secondly to release Chatham for important duties elsewhere, unless she was vital for the blockade; and thirdly to destroy or capture the Konigsberg. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from [Captain Sidney Drury-Lowe], HMS Chatham, to Admiralty, asking for a reply to his request to remain in command of Chatham, with a reply from Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff] ordering him to remain in Chatham for the present. [Carbon].

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver], asking him to make arrangements for HMS Goliath and HMS Fox to bombard Tanga, [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania] and if it was found to be fortified, Dar-es-Salaam. Initialled by WSC and Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher [1st Sea Lord]. [Carbon].

Telegram from Senior Naval Officer, Zanzibar [later Tanzania] to Admiralty, on a proposed systematic bombardment of Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania] asking if the bombardment should be abandoned if the enemy gave up the twelve missing British servicemen. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Senior Naval Officer, Zanzibar, on a proposed systematic bombardment of Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania], suggesting a severe bombardment, offering not to renew the attack if captured British officers and men were returned. Initialled by WSC. [Carbon].

Telegram from Admiralty to the Senior Naval Officer, HMS Fox, (Zanzibar [later Tanzania]) asking what steps were being taken to ascertain the results of fire on Government property in Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania]. Initialled by WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff].

Telegram from Admiralty to HMS Goliath (Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya]) with orders to remain in East Africa until further notice. Initialled by Vice- Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff]. [Carbon].

Telegram from HMS Goliath, (Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya]), to Admiralty, acknowledging receipt of orders to remain in East Africa until further notice, reporting that the ship was "hors de combat" until refitted at Simonstown [South Africa]. Includes notes of telegrams between WSC and Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver [Chief of Staff] giving permission for Goliath to proceed to Simonstown. [Carbon].

Telegram from Senior Naval Officer, (Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya]) to Admiralty, on steps taken to ascertain the result of the bombardment of Government property in Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania]. [Carbon].

Minute from WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty] to the Chief of Staff [Vice-Admiral Henry Oliver], and 1st Sea Lord [Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher], commenting on the report of the Senior Naval Officer, (Mombasa [British East Africa, later Kenya]), on the bombardment of Dar-es-Salaam [German East Africa, later Tanganyika and Tanzania], stating that it was "woollier than ever". [Carbon].